California is experiencing an uptick in COVID-19 activity, driven in part by the emergence and rapid spread of a new, highly contagious subvariant nicknamed “Nimbus.” Officially known as NB.1.8.1, this variant is associated with a particularly painful symptom described by patients overseas as “razor blade throat.”
While severe sore throats have occurred with previous COVID-19 variants, the intense pain likened to swallowing razor blades or shards of glass is gaining attention as Nimbus becomes increasingly dominant. Experts note a shift in common symptoms compared to earlier stages of the pandemic. Whereas loss of taste and smell or shortness of breath were once predominant, the focus is now turning to other pronounced symptoms like this exceptionally sore throat, particularly as outcomes less frequently involve severe hospitalization.
Nimbus Variant Takes Hold
The Nimbus subvariant, part of the Omicron family, is quickly establishing dominance both nationally and in California. According to CDC estimates, Nimbus comprised approximately 37% of coronavirus samples nationwide in early June. Its rise is even more dramatic in California, where projections from the state Department of Public Health suggest it now accounts for 55% of circulating virus, a significant jump from just 2% observed in April.
The rapid spread of Nimbus is a key characteristic noted by public health officials. While concentrating in Northern and Southern California, the variant has also been detected in other U.S. states like Washington, Virginia, and New York, and has been reported in countries including China, Hong Kong, Australia, and the UK.
Signs of Increasing COVID Activity in California
Multiple indicators point to rising COVID-19 levels across the state:
Increasing Test Positivity: The statewide coronavirus test positivity rate has climbed to 2.8%, up from a seasonal low of 1.1% in March. Los Angeles County has also seen an uptick in surveillance test positivity, reaching 5% recently, compared to 3.8% in early May.
Elevated Wastewater Levels: Wastewater surveillance, a crucial tool for tracking viral spread, shows increasing levels of coronavirus statewide, now at a “medium” level compared to consistently “low” levels in April. Regional data varies, with some areas like Santa Barbara and San Bernardino reporting moderate-to-high or high activity, while Ventura and Los Angeles counties show low-to-moderate levels. Los Angeles County specifically recorded a 13% increase in wastewater viral levels in late May. In Northern California, Santa Clara County’s wastewater levels are also rising, with San Jose’s sewer levels considered “high.”
Despite these increases, COVID-related emergency room visits in Los Angeles County and case numbers in San Francisco reportedly remain low for now. However, public health officials anticipate future seasonal increases in disease levels are likely.
Vaccine Policy Concerns Amidst Rising Cases
The current uptick in COVID-19 activity coincides with significant concerns among medical professionals and health organizations regarding recent changes to federal vaccine policy. Critics fear these changes could make it harder for people to access vaccines against COVID-19 and other diseases.
Federal officials recently modified the CDC’s recommendations, moving away from a standing recommendation for everyone age 6 months and up. Now, the CDC offers “no guidance” for healthy pregnant women and suggests parents of healthy children consult a healthcare provider before vaccination.
These shifts have drawn sharp criticism from numerous medical groups, including obstetricians, pharmacists, and organizations representing over 20 or 30 health specialties. They argue the changes lack a basis in scientific evidence, particularly concerning pregnant women, and risk propagating misinformation. Experts emphasize clear data showing that vaccination significantly reduces complications, hospitalizations, and premature births in pregnant individuals and provides protective antibodies to newborns, who cannot be vaccinated until 6 months of age.
Further fueling concerns, the appointed Health Secretary abruptly fired all members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the key panel advising the CDC on vaccine policy. Former members describe this mass dismissal as unprecedented and destabilizing, raising worries that criteria influenced by misinformation could potentially lead to non-recommendations or reduced funding for established childhood vaccines like measles or HPV.
Governors from California, Oregon, and Washington have jointly condemned the ACIP firings as “deeply troubling,” defending the integrity of the former advisors and expressing grave concerns about the transparency and basis of future federal vaccine recommendations. State and local health departments, including those in California, Oregon, Washington, and Los Angeles County, have affirmed they continue to recommend access to currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines for eligible individuals aged 6 months and older, prioritizing those at higher risk, and state that local vaccine recommendations and insurance coverage remain in place at this time.
As the Nimbus variant spreads and signs of increasing COVID-19 activity appear in California, public health officials continue to recommend standard precautions like frequent handwashing, considering masks in crowded indoor settings, and staying up-to-date with vaccinations. Currently available vaccines are expected to remain effective against the Nimbus subvariant, with updated formulations anticipated in the fall.
